self.
The major detained her at the table and forgot himself so far as to
softly pat the hand which she had carelessly placed on the back of
a chair. Used as she was to alternate brutality and flattery, she
immediately became confident, believing in a sudden whim of gallantry
on the part of the "old wreck," as she was wont to style the major
when talking with Phrosine. Doucet and Morandot looked at each other in
surprise. Was the major actually stepping into Petticoat Burle's shoes?
The regiment would be convulsed if that were the case.

Suddenly, however, Laguitte, who kept his eye on the square, gave a
start.

"Hallo, there's Burle!" he exclaimed.

"Yes, it is his time," explained Phrosine. "The captain passes every
afternoon on his way from the office."

In spite of his lameness the major had risen to his feet, pushing
aside the chairs as he called out: "Burle! I say--come along and have a
glass."

The captain, quite aghast and unable to understand why Laguitte was at
the widow's, advanced mechanically. He was so perplexed that he again
hesitated at the door.

"Another glass of beer," ordered the major, and then turning to Burle,
he added, "What's the matter with you? Come in. Are you afraid of being
eaten alive?"

The captain took a seat, and an awkward pause followed. Melanie, who
brought the beer with trembling hands, dreaded some scene which might
result in the closing of her establishment. The major's gallantry made
her uneasy, and she endeavored to slip away, but he invited her to drink
with them, and before she could refuse he had ordered Phrosine to bring
a liqueur glass of anisette, doing so with as much coolness as if he had
been master of the house. Melanie was thus compelled to sit down between
the captain and Laguitte, who exclaimed aggressively: "I WILL have
ladies respected. We are French officers! Let us drink Madame's health!"

Burle, with his eyes fixed on his glass, smiled in an embarrassed way.
The two officers, shocked at the proceedings, had already tried to get
off. Fortunately the cafe was deserted, save that the domino players
were having their afternoon game. At every fresh oath which came from
the major they glanced around, scandalized by such an unusual accession
of customers and ready to threaten Melanie that they would leave her for
the Cafe de la Gare if the soldiery was going to invade her place like
flies that buzzed about, attracted by the stickiness of the tables which
Ph